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WILLOWWINDS's Recent Blog Entries
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thanks so much for all the well wishes yesterday. You each touched my heart.
I have been thinking a lot about doing things for others. I try to do at least one thing out of my normal routine each day. Now I don't get out so mine are a little limited. I do hope my blog helps as well. But I do make sure to go out of my way to thank people in my life. If we order food out from a pizza place I make sure I call the restaurant and tell them how we enjoyed the meal. Especially when I have so many instructions with my meals. No salt, no added fat etc. SO many people don't hesitate to complain but not many compliment. I really get up set when so many people complain and those who go out of their way to find fault with others.
I know you might get bored here but I hope you keep reading.
Did you know performing random acts of kindness potentially has HEALTH BENEFITS? In a worthwhile article Health on the hill has summarised some of these:
*****Helper’s high – Often times, do-gooders experience a rush of euphoria, followed by a period of calm. This sensation releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
*****Diminishes stress-related health problems – By helping others, you are likely to reverse feelings of depression, hostility and isolation, which means you are less likely to experience stress or ulcers. For some, a reduction in stress helps to decrease lung constriction, which often leads to asthma attacks.
*****The benefits return – When you remember the kind act, the health benefits and sense of well-being can return for hours or days.
*****Happy thoughts – Helping can enhance feelings of joyfulness, emotional resilience, vigor and optimism.
*****Affiliate connection – This term refers to the creation of a positive relationship with someone, and such connections strengthen the immune system.
Recently in the News the Electric Company gave back watch this clip.
abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=711886
7
This morning one of the banner items across the screen during Good Morning America said that 14.5% of Americans have insufficient food. Perhaps the company you work for might want to do something similar. Or your family might want to volunteer at a local food bank or pantry.
So I checked the US population clock (which changes by the minute) 307,955,353 is the US population that means approximately (if I did the math right) 44,653,526 don't have enough food.
*~* It's Up to You *~*
author unknown
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room,
One candle wipes out darkness
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true,
One life can make the difference,
You see, IT'S UP TO YOU!
I know a lot of you do this already but for those that don't and want to here are a few ideas. I am sure there are plenty more that can be added in fact.
*** HOW YOU CAN HELP ***
For my DH and I we go through out cans and non perishables every 2-3 months. You would be surprise how much you can get of products you will never use. We take to the local Red cross. My DH takes any Flea Market items that the vendors leave or items he can sell to them as well.
Perhaps you are getting a free Turkey from a Supermarket or more than one. Donate it to a local shelter. I think a lot of people think of someone else will contribute that has more than I do. But lately not a lot of people have a lot. So it has to start somewhere.
Do you travel a lot? A boss I had once would collect all those samples that hotels leave and gather 100's of them and give to the local shelter. They are so greatly appreciated.
***** Some More Ideas *****
Send someone a hand written note of thanks.
Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
Buy a coffee for the man on the high street selling magazines.
Cut your neighbour’s hedge.
Walk your friend’s dog.
Give a compliment about your waiter / waitress to his / her manager.
Send someone a small gift anonymously.
Stop and help someone replace their flat tyre.
Let someone jump the queue at the bank.
Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café.
Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
Give a big tip to someone when they least expect it.
Hold the train door open for someone rushing to get in.
Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
Write notes of appreciation at least once a week.
Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation.
Pick up some rubbish in the road which would otherwise be lying around.
Compliment a work colleague for their excellence.
Recommend a competitor to a potential client.
Give another driver your parking spot.
Give a piece of fruit to a delivery person.
Help an elderly neighbour carry the rubbish out.
Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them.
Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train / bus.
Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past.
Offer to babysit for a busy family who could use a break
Smile a lot.
Oh and I didn't forget
Answer to Yesterdays Riddle:
Do you like the riddles?
I will continue to post it you are interested, just let know.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Happy Sunday! Yesterday's riddle answer is:
Here is a new riddle for you:
Answer tomorrow.
Here is a WONDERFUL Story. Might want to grab a tissue.
"What Was In Jeremy's Egg?"
Jeremy was born with a twisted body, a slow mind and a chronic, terminal illness that had been slowly killing him all his young life. Still his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to St. Theresa's Elementary School.
At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher.
One day, she called his parents and asked them to come to St. Theresa's for a consultation. As the Forresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students!"
Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read or write. Why waste any more time trying?
As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, "here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared with that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy."
From that day on, she tried to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed loudly enough for the whole class to hear. The other children snickered, and Doris's face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-Why, that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat."
Spring came, and the chidden talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them of the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Miss Miller!" the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently, his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.
That evening, Doris's kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their Math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up, "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."
Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that the moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed.
Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly Jeremy spoke up.
"Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "but Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty too!"
Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh yes!" Jeremy exclaimed. "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up!"
The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.
Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.
--- Author Unknown
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Happy Saturday!
I had my tests done. It was like an EMG but way less painful as I remember them. They were to test the nerves in my legs. I had this test done in the past and when I was 32 the neurologist who did the test said my Neuropathy was too far gone and said it really wasn't worth getting anymore because the nerve damage.
Currently I don't have feeling from my knees down. They did the legs yesterday but still have to come back for the feet and my upper extremities. When they got done the Doctor told me I had Neuropathy. Um....Geez that was a shock! Ha! Tell me something I didn't know.
We had an early morning today was up at 3 am. DH was off to the flea market. I wasn't sleepy so I put a movie on. Now when ever I see a "new" movie on cable I record it and then if after the first 10 mins it doesn't interest me I delete it.
Growing up I was an avid movie buff. Loved them and saw most of what was available. This morning I started watching "The Changeling" with Angelina Jolie and John Malkavich. When I first saw the previews for this movie I wasn't impressed. The movie takes place in 1928, a mystery/crime drama.
It is a True Story, about a woman who's son is missing and the boy that is return to her she says isn't her son. So as I started watching I was surprise it grabbed my attention and kept it. It was a very good movie. If you get a chance to see it I recommend it.
Below are some products I have used that really helped when I was on a 1,000 calorie diet. I still use some from time to time. Some are a little pricey others not. I am putting the links to some of them in case you don't find in the store you can order on line.
***Diet Products***
First off not exactly diet, but Wheat Thins has a flatbread now. It has two flavors so far. Garlic and Parmesan and Tuscan Herb.
I like to use them instead of bread from time to time. I make a tomato spread and use on them as a vegetable alternative.
~Tomato Spread (like Bruscetta)~
1- Can diced tomato's drained well (or fresh)
1 tlb - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (I use Vadalia)
*Spices I use 1 tsp or as desired*
Garlic Powder (or fresh)
Oregano
Parsley
Basil
Mix all together and top on flatbread or your favorite cracker.
If you want to add protein simply melt cheese on top or cut up cheese in little cubes for in the spread.
~ PB2 ~
www.bellplantation.com/
~ DaVinci Gourmet Syrups ~
Sugar Free Syrups for ice Cream, coffee, ice whatever.
www.davincigourmet.com/products/suga
r_free_flavored_syrups/
~ Galeos Dressing ~
These dressings are OUT of this World. I like them because they don't taste "Lite".
They are used by "The Biggest Loser- Its lower in sodium, has 19 calories per tablespoon and is delicious. We ate it on everything, so I ordered it online" Flavors are Caesar, Sesame Seed, Dijonnaise and Ginger Wasabi. I love them all but my favorite is the Ginger.
www.galeoscafe.com/
~ Food Should Taste Good ~
These are all sorts of chips. I have tried the multigrain so far.
www.foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/
Lastly
~ Candy Warehouse ~
This is a site that has a ton of Sugar Free Candy. Mind you remember they are Sugar Free not calorie free.
search.candywarehouse.com/search?w=s
ugar+free&asug=
***RIDDLE ANSWER***
***NEW RIDDLE***
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Happy Friday. Waiting on technicians to come and do the test of my lower extremites. They are coming anywhere from 8:30 am to 12 noon. Not a whole lot going on here on my end. Rather raining which has kept my DH home. He has been in a great mood and I am so thankful for that.
Here is a pretty funny joke. Enjoy!
**RECOVERING THINKER**
It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then to loosen up. Inevitably though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker.
I began to think alone - "to relax," I told myself - but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time.
I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself. I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read writings of Plato, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Jesus Christ, and Aristotle. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, "What is it exactly we are doing here?"
Things weren't going so great at home either. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's.
I soon had a reputation as a heavy thinker. One day the boss called me in. He said, "Skippy, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job." This gave me a lot to think about.
I came home early after my conversation with the boss. "Honey, " I confessed, "I've been thinking..." "I know you've been thinking," she said, "and I want a divorce!" "But Honey, surely it's not that serious." "It is serious," she said, lower lip aquiver. "You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking we won't have any money!" "That's a faulty syllogism," I said impatiently, and she began to cry. I'd had enough. "I'm going to the library," I snarled as I stomped out the door.
I headed for the library, in the mood for Clinton's latest book "Family Morals in America". Listening to a PBS station on the radio, I roared into the parking lot and ran up to the big glass doors... they didn't open. The library was closed.
Later, I realized that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night. As I sank to the ground clawing at the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye. "Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?" it asked. You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinker's Anonymous poster.
Which is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was "Jerry Spinger" talking about the song "I'm bad" by Michael Jackson. Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. Life just seemed .. more bland .. without purpose or meaning, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking, and avoided thoughts about the meaning of life and my future. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home and the office. Now I stare for hours at the T.V. and receive my daily dose of brainwashing instead of contemplating the mysteries of life.
Have you joined Thinker's Anonymous yet?
Speaking of thinking here is a riddle:
I will give you the answer tomorrow. If you want to check back.
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Member Comments About This Blog Post:
Have a great day! I want to wish you a wonderful weekend filled with God's many blessings. 
moments 
